Luke 23:33-43 (NRSV)
Read Luke 23:33-43 on biblegateway.com
Verse 33When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Verse 34Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing. Verse 35And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!" Verse 36The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, Verse 37and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" Verse 38There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." Verse 39One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" Verse 40But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? Verse 41And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." Verse 42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Verse 43He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Devotion
Nobody in this world is perfect but God. God, therefore, sent his only Son, who is also a member of the Trinity, to die so that those who believe in him will have eternal life and be forgiven of their sins.
In spite of this great work of God through Christ, the past misdeeds of some Christians still haunt them. They wonder if God has truly forgiven them through Christ. One of the criminals who was crucified together with Jesus Christ admitted his sinful life and confessed faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus immediately forgave his sins and promised him paradise.
This is a practical assurance that if we repent of our sins and confess them, we will be forgiven. There is no need to be afraid of being punished for sins you have repented and confessed.
Prayer
Thank you, God, for forgiving my sins through Jesus Christ. Amen.